The PABITRA net, the Pacific-Asia Biodiversity Transect
Network, is a collaborative program for investigating the functioning of
biodiversity and the health of ecosystems in the tropical Pacific Islands.
Particular emphasis is put on the comparative analysis of indigenous upland and
inland forests of the volcanic high islands and their roles as ecological
reserves and watersheds. Their function under the natural biogeographic
restrains of isolation and their watershed services in relation to the various
lowland ecosystems will become the principal focus of collaborative research.
Collaboration with indigenous islanders as co-workers in research is a primary
goal of the PABITRA network scientists. The studies are designed to benefit the
participating island countries in their resource management, especially
biodiversity conservation. Initially, there will be four focal areas of research:
(1) Assessment and monitoring of plant biodiversity in island forests, including
animal interactions and the threat of invasive species; (2) Analysis of the
human dimensions of biodiversity by studying the Polynesian ahupua`a and
alternative land management systems; (3) Investigations of the fresh-water flow,
its ecosystem services, long-term dynamics, and biodiversity relations; (4)
Studies of the historical dimensions of island plant biodiversity. The science
of vegetation ecology provides for the basic methodology and approaches to
coordination in these four areas.